Top 10 Foods to Try on Your Trip to Kuwait

Kuwait is not only a desert jewel set on the banks of the Arabian Gulf, it is a place that introduces tradition and culture combined with culinary genius. Although the glittering skyline and high-end malls may amaze you in the first impression, the food in the country will be sure to steal your heart. The traditional Bedouin dishes to the Indian and Persian influences, Kuwaiti food presents a rich palate of flavors that can keep any traveler licking his or her fingers.

However, prior to indulging yourself into this tasteful adventure, it is important to get acquainted with the process of obtaining a Kuwait visa. It is advisable that tourists do their homework before visiting the country by going through the current Kuwait travel visa tips so as to have an easy time in the country. After you have organised your travel documents, jump straight into the food of Kuwait. The following represents the 10 best foods you should definitely eat on your Kuwaiti expedition.

Here are the Top 10 Foods to Try on Your Trip to Kuwait

1. Machboos (or Majboos)

The national dish of Kuwait, Machboos, cannot be forgotten in any food trip. It is a fragrant rice dish usually prepared using basmati rice, saffron and spices and is accompanied by soft meat (chicken, lamb or even fish). The meat broth is used to slowly cook the rice in order to absorb all the flavor to form a rich and satisfying meal. Machboos is usually served during family gatherings and celebrations and is often accompanied by a tomato based sauce known as dakkous so it is not merely a dish but a cultural experience. Make sure to have it in a Kuwaiti restaurant to have the most authentic one.

2. Muttabaq Samak

Muttabaq Samak is a dish composed of fish and rice in layers, which shows how Kuwait is so much attached to the sea. It is a seafood lover and is prepared using seasoned rice, fried fish (usually Zubaidi, the national fish of Kuwait) and a tangy tomato-onion sauce. The food is mildly flavored and is spiced with local herbs that bring out the distinct taste of the Gulf region. Any person who wants to experience the taste of the coastal Kuwait should not miss this.

3. Gers Ogaily (Kuwaiti Sponge Cake)

Gers Ogaily stands out when it comes to dessert. This is a Kuwaiti spongy, soft cake with saffron, cardamom and rose water. Its rich aroma and exotic taste is a result of the unique combination of the spices. It is normally served in festive occasions and goes very well with Arabic coffee. This is a tasty piece of Kuwaiti hospitality that should not be missed.

4. Harees

Harees is a porridge of wheat and meat that is cooked slowly over low heat until it becomes smooth. It is a hearty dish that is popular in the holy month of Ramadan. It is soothing, healthy and a favorite in homes on a cool day. Harees is a special dish that is served in many local restaurants during some seasons. It has a mild taste and creamy consistency and is therefore appropriate to people who want a less spicy dish.

5. Jireesh

Jireesh (sometimes referred to as Kuwaiti cracked wheat porridge) is prepared using crushed wheat, lamb or chicken and an assortment of spices such as cinnamon and cardamom. The outcome is a hot, slightly harsh dish that is representative of the Bedouin origin of Kuwait. You will discover that Jireesh was a typical side or main course served when there were large meals. It is satisfying and tasty, perfect to quench the desire of traditional comfort food.

6. Mahyawa

In Kuwait, this fermented fish sauce is a common condiment in the home. Mahyawa is usually sprinkled on bread or eaten along with snacks and appetizers and it has a sharp, tangy taste that cannot be matched by anything. Mahyawa is a Persian-influenced food that is acquired and a unique experience to food adventurers. Order it in traditional restaurants in case it is not yet on your table.

7. Shawarma

Although Shawarma is not unique to Kuwait, it has some of the best Shawarma in the region. Marinated meat slices, cooked on a vertical rotisserie and served in warm pita bread with garlic sauce and pickles- it is a tasty snack that will not take much time. Shawarma is available almost everywhere, including the poshest food courts and the street vendors, which is why it is the most convenient snack.

8. Lentil Soup (Shorbat Adas)

Lentil soup is a comfort food, which constitutes the main part of Ramadan but is also consumed throughout the year. The Kuwaiti version is seasoned with cumin, lemon and occasionally mint making it taste zesty. It is usually used at the start of meals and it makes a wonderful vegetarian friendly dish in a very meat focused cuisine.

9. Khubz (Kuwaiti Bread)

The Kuwaiti bread or Khubz is prepared in conventional clay ovens and is served warm with almost every meal. Fluffy, a bit crunchy on the surface and fluffy in the middle, it is an ideal carrier of sauces, meat, and dips. When you go to a local bakery or market, you may even have an opportunity to see the bread being made before your very eyes an original and delicious experience.

10. Balaleet

A sweet but savoury combination of vermicelli noodles sweetened with sugar, rose water and saffron, and topped with an omelette, this dish may be an eye-opener to your taste buds. Balaleet is traditionally eaten during Eid or served at breakfast and is a great representation of the variety of flavor combinations in Kuwait. Be not afraid to order it even though it is an odd combination, it is a local classic that the locals can vouch for.

Conclusion

The food in Kuwait is a tasteful mix of tradition, hospitality and taste. Every meal, whether the spicy richness of Machboos or the special sweetness of Balaleet, gives another way to look at the cultural narrative of the country. Be it a home cooked meal or a local Kuwaiti restaurant, the food in the country tends to make any visitor feel like home.

Learn about Kuwait visa process before you start to plan your gastronomic adventure. It is not that difficult to apply to a Kuwait travel visa, but you need to ensure that you have all your documents ready so that there are no delays. By studying Kuwait travel visa tips, you will be able to know what is required of you as well as the time it takes to process your travel, and hence your trip will be much easier and enjoyable.